Happiness falls to lowest level in 7 years - survey

Adelyn Lau

Hongkongers' happiness levels have plummeted to their lowest point in seven years, according to the latest happiness index from a social enterprise.

The overall rating has dropped to 5.63 out of 10, which is closely linked to a decline in "mental capital" - a term that encompasses cognitive and emotional resources, mental health and satisfaction with external factors.

The survey - conducted by HK WeCARE, a group under Wofoo Social Enterprises, in collaboration with Tung Wah College School of Nursing - involved 1,093 Hongkongers between July 8 and 22.

The findings reveal that Hong Kong's general happiness index has reached a seven-year low, with more than half of respondents reporting moderate to severe depressive symptoms. This annual survey has been conducted since 2015.

Notably, over 10 percent of Hongkongers feel down, depressed or hopeless almost every day.

The proportion of people displaying depressive symptoms has surged from 18.5 percent in 2018 to 35.1 percent in 2024.

In the United Nations' World Happiness Report, Hong Kong ranked 86th out of 143 countries this year, marking a continued decline over the past four years.

The city's happiness index and ranking were not collected in 2021.

The WeCARE index scores for life satisfaction and feelings of a meaningful life have also reached new lows, measuring 5.64 and 5.83, respectively.

The survey indicated that people aged 35 to 44 are the least happy, with an average score of 5.46.

Tik Chi-yuen, a legislator for social welfare and co-chair of HK WeCARE, said: "This age group often faces pressures from family responsibilities, including caring for both elderly parents and young children.

"Many in this demographic also navigate career uncertainties which adds to their stress."

In the 25 to 34 age group, respondents reported a happiness score of 5.61.

Simon Lam Ching, an advisor at HK WeCare, said these younger individuals have consistently ranked lower on the happiness index over the past decade, largely due to financial pressures and a lack of familial support.

While those aged 55 to 64 scored relatively high overall, they also experienced a notable decline in happiness, with a score of 5.75 - down 1.32 points from an eight-year high in 2017. Lam attributed this trend to the absence of emigrated children and the economic stress brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.